PEQUOT LIBRARY FESTIVAL!

What an honor to be invited to the Pequot Children's Book Festival!

And what a star-studded list of authors! It was such an honor to be included in this auspicious group.

I'm not sure if the kids and parents attending knew that it was just as much fun for us as it was for them to hang out with children's books authors and illustrators. I ran into some old friends, as well as new ones.

Marc Tyler Nobleman was there.

And so was the brilliant Tony Abbott.

I got a chance to catch up with Bryan Collier.

As well as with Ann Haywood Leal.

I rode the train back to NYC with Mr. R.L. Stine! We discussed all things books, TV, film, but oddly not a single mention of monsters.

PICKLEFEST!

Why are all of these people gathered in the Lower East Side of Manhattan? The president? Free iPods?

No! It's for Picklefest! I never even knew there was such a thing. 

I'm sure I speak for most of us when I say pickles are fantastic! But they're even more fantastic when they're right out of the barrel (and free).

I couldn't help myself! I HAD to buy a jar to take home (or at least munch on as I headed home).

Something tells me I ate too many pickles. I feel kinda green.

A COMMUNITY OF ILLUSTRATORS: A CONVERSATION WITH 4 LOCAL CHILDREN'S ILLUSTRATORS

I was graciously invited to be part of a very distinguished panel of children's book author/illustrators by the Metro chapter of the SCBWI. The big event will take place on December 10 at 7:30, so mark your calendars! To order tickets, click here.

The other panelists will be:

Mr. Brett Helquist.

Mr. David Gordon.

And the lovely Ms. Kelly Light.

So please come! I'm sure it will be illuminating, enlightening, and a lot of fun.

See you there.

THEY SAID A REUNION WOULD NEVER HAPPEN...

But it did (sort of). 3 of the 4 members of the Book Street Boys appeared at the NAEYC in Washington, DC last week.
Tad Hills, Chris Raschka, Bob Staake, and Dan Yaccarino were together again, this time for a panel on- what else? Picture books!
Unfortunately, Bob was only able to attend via video as he was unable to leave his fortress of solitude 50 miles below the Earth's crust in the Arctic Circle.

HELLO MINNEAPOLIS!

I spoke at the Minnesota chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and had a fabulous time! I can tell you it's absolutely true what they say about "Minnesota Nice." Everyone was so incredibly kind and polite and once I got over my natural New York suspicion of these friendly folk, I really had lovely time!

So I guess they must've read all the food-related posts on my blog because this wonderful multi-tiered display of baked goods was on the breakfast table at the conference.

I consider it a success if I'm not heckled when I speak. Success! No hecklers.

I signed lots of copies of my books, but for some reason was discouraged to sign anyone else's.

All that speaking and signing sure made me hungry, so...

Off to local favorite and roast beef sandwich shrine, Mayslacks!

Here's a piece of advice, kids: never eat anything bigger than your head.

And if you do, never ever order a side of onion rings.

Thanks for a great time, Minneapolis!

20 YEARS!

This is what 20 years of writing and illustrating books for children looks like.

I cannot express how fortunate I am to be able to have a career that I not only write stories and create images, but to do it for children. It is the best job in the world. I am truly blessed.

Okay. Now onto the next 20 years!

My Interview on Playdate Planet!

Give a listen to the interview here.

Let me know what you think!